Build the Trans-Afghan railway and lets economics take care of the rest. If you look at the recent meeting in Kazakhstan, the Tajik President was basically demanding more Russian investment into Central Asia, because the second order effects of the Russo-Ukraine war has been devastating for the central Asian laborers and remittances they use to send back. A decent sized investment into Central Asia, with perhaps the help of one or multiple GCC countries could put Pakistan is a very important position, especially as such a venture would effectively also encircle/contain Iran, a GCC aspiration. Linking up with BRI in this way would also help countries like Saudi “rebalance” their relations with more towards central and east Asia. Utilizing Pakistan’s geo-strategic location is the best and most sustainable way to create a base upon which to build up our economy, especially as interconnection with growing foreign consumer markets will drive growth.
Btw, with GCC partners putting down large investments, they can also use some of their influence through contacts to put pressure on the backers of the TTP (including India), with the Pakistan army mopping up the rest with potentially modern equipment a growing economy would allow them to more easily afford.
No need to fight, just look at the Turks sending drones to Ukraine but still being a mediator between Ukraine and Russia. Likewise Pakistan is sending artillery shells to the Ukrainians, which is the level of support that is best. We need to focus on fixing and growing our economy. If Russia does Balkanize, then a stronger Pakistan and Turkey can gain more influence in central Asia and perhaps parts of Russia proper if it is already build up to take advantage of the situation should it arise.
Fighting in another “western war” should by now be seen as a mistake, that only gets the country peanuts for the price the nation has to pay. It’s unlikely Pakistan will demonstrate “full throated support” for Ukraine, so supplying ammo is akin to what many Europeans are doing, and is probably the best cost/benefit ratio on the level of support Pakistan can extend them. Besides, Ukraine’s backers can afford to pay for a lot more ammo, so Pakistan can keep making it, and shipping it out. I just hope we have SSGs in the field to get BDA on how our rounds are being used, to help improve our own tactics.
